Psychiatrists in Maple Heights, OH
![Photo of DeBalzo Elgudin Levine Risen - DeBalzo, Elgudin, Levine, Risen LLC, MD, PhD, CNS, LPCC, LISW-S, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44df01e9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
DeBalzo, Elgudin, Levine, Risen LLC
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, CNS, LPCC, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Maple Heights, OH 44137
We are a comprehensive psychiatric and mental health practice offering a wide spectrum of evidence-based therapies. We provide services to children/adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our services include psychiatric evaluation and medication management, individual psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, psychological testing, genomic testing for medication sensitivity, and evaluation and therapy for sexual and gender-related concerns. We offer ADHD assessment with the QbTest which is a FDA cleared computer based objective test.
We are a comprehensive psychiatric and mental health practice offering a wide spectrum of evidence-based therapies. We provide services to children/adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our services include psychiatric evaluation and medication management, individual psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, psychological testing, genomic testing for medication sensitivity, and evaluation and therapy for sexual and gender-related concerns. We offer ADHD assessment with the QbTest which is a FDA cleared computer based objective test.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Denise Dews, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee8063aa-15d9-4837-a37c-5d611ccd3d3d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m here to help you with your mental health concerns and provide you with the best possible care.” I can provide medication treatment as well as psychotherapy. I have a vast array of experience in mental health, as I've been a psychiatric nurse since 2011. My focus is on treating children, adolescents and adults through the life span.
I’m here to help you with your mental health concerns and provide you with the best possible care.” I can provide medication treatment as well as psychotherapy. I have a vast array of experience in mental health, as I've been a psychiatric nurse since 2011. My focus is on treating children, adolescents and adults through the life span.
![Photo of Dr. Olivetta Uradu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46ec38bb-d7ef-4ec0-9112-dab257724dd7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Start your mental health treatment with Dr. Olivetta Uradu. Board-certified psychiatrist, trained at Howard University College of Medicine and Yale University. Dr. Uradu provides culturally sensitive mental health care to adults of various backgrounds with an expertise in women's mental health and addiction. Her treatment is guided by a conscious, equitable and collaborative philosophy to mental health. With Dr. Uradu, you can anticipate a compassionate approach to your care.
Start your mental health treatment with Dr. Olivetta Uradu. Board-certified psychiatrist, trained at Howard University College of Medicine and Yale University. Dr. Uradu provides culturally sensitive mental health care to adults of various backgrounds with an expertise in women's mental health and addiction. Her treatment is guided by a conscious, equitable and collaborative philosophy to mental health. With Dr. Uradu, you can anticipate a compassionate approach to your care.
![Photo of Navjoth Karuvannur, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3b4696a-6a84-4af3-9b5f-0259ed3b2cf8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Karuvannur (Dr. K) is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2018. He is dual board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He trained in adult psychiatry at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY where he served as the education committee representative. He completed his child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Cleveland Clinic where he served as chief fellow. He is a member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association.
Dr. Karuvannur (Dr. K) is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2018. He is dual board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He trained in adult psychiatry at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY where he served as the education committee representative. He completed his child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Cleveland Clinic where he served as chief fellow. He is a member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab861e93-26b4-4006-b2f0-a00da5973f42/1/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Madia Pewu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1049b052-acc9-478c-ae14-e1970dff9388/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madia Pewu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 (Online Only)
Madia Pewu is dual board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Licensed in Ohio, Madia has over 23 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. She obtained her bachelor's of nursing degree from Cleveland State University, her master's degree from United States University, and her post-master's certificate from Purdue University Global. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Trained in medication management and therapy, Madia provides therapy sessions via video for adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Madia Pewu is dual board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Licensed in Ohio, Madia has over 23 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. She obtained her bachelor's of nursing degree from Cleveland State University, her master's degree from United States University, and her post-master's certificate from Purdue University Global. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Trained in medication management and therapy, Madia provides therapy sessions via video for adolescents, adults, and seniors.
![Photo of Kara Forte-Sullen - Kara Forte-Sullen PMHNP - Seasons Of Wellness, LLC, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63c0c8c2-e32d-451c-948b-6cc307cf09a9/1/320x400.png)
Kara Forte-Sullen PMHNP - Seasons Of Wellness, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Twinsburg, OH 44087 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Kara! I am currently accepting new patients in Ohio seeking telehealth and In-person visits. Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or even skeptical about Mental Health care? Are you ready to open up about the emotional pain you are experiencing? I believe open communication and active listening are crucial to understanding a persons struggles and making a accurate diagnosis. I collaborate closely with my patients, crafting personalized treatment plans that incorporate therapy, medication, or a blend of both, tailored to their needs. My goal is to help you become your best self. Let's accomplish this as a team together!
Hello, I'm Kara! I am currently accepting new patients in Ohio seeking telehealth and In-person visits. Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or even skeptical about Mental Health care? Are you ready to open up about the emotional pain you are experiencing? I believe open communication and active listening are crucial to understanding a persons struggles and making a accurate diagnosis. I collaborate closely with my patients, crafting personalized treatment plans that incorporate therapy, medication, or a blend of both, tailored to their needs. My goal is to help you become your best self. Let's accomplish this as a team together!
![Photo of Anna Popova, MSN, CNP/PM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c108c87c-6a93-4257-8077-31c40901e38c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Popova, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC Anna Popova is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Akron, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ursuline College, is a Licensed Practical Nurse through ATS Institute of Technology, is a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the Ohio Board of Nursing and is ANCC certified as a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats children as young as 4 years old, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Anna Popova, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC Anna Popova is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Akron, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ursuline College, is a Licensed Practical Nurse through ATS Institute of Technology, is a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the Ohio Board of Nursing and is ANCC certified as a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats children as young as 4 years old, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
![Photo of Joy J King, RN, PMHNP, AGPCNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92da7e88-2fe2-4153-a5f6-6e8bc7850149/2/320x400.png)
Joy J King
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PMHNP, AGPCNP
Verified Verified
Independence, OH 44131
I am accepting new patients! I am a board-certified Nurse practitioner in Psychiatric Primary Care and Adult-Geriatric Primary Care. I am a Cleveland native who completed my Undergraduate at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, before returning home to complete my Master's Degree at Ursuline College in Lyndhurst, Ohio. I am comfortable working with a range of ages, from adolescents to geriatrics (13+). While I have a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, I see the full spectrum of psychiatric illnesses.
I am accepting new patients! I am a board-certified Nurse practitioner in Psychiatric Primary Care and Adult-Geriatric Primary Care. I am a Cleveland native who completed my Undergraduate at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, before returning home to complete my Master's Degree at Ursuline College in Lyndhurst, Ohio. I am comfortable working with a range of ages, from adolescents to geriatrics (13+). While I have a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, I see the full spectrum of psychiatric illnesses.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5433bd7-ccb9-4654-8d23-2cf7cbe4e053/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Gayatriben Gadani, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da08b91e-ea23-4cff-b1ab-ea739b33686d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Gadani is a board-certified psychiatrist with over five years of experience in psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Medical College Baroda in India. She previously worked at Saint Louis University Hospital and Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri. She focuses on treating adults and specializes in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders. She is a member of the American Psychiatry Association and the Missouri Psychiatry Association.
Dr. Gadani is a board-certified psychiatrist with over five years of experience in psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Medical College Baroda in India. She previously worked at Saint Louis University Hospital and Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri. She focuses on treating adults and specializes in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders. She is a member of the American Psychiatry Association and the Missouri Psychiatry Association.
![Photo of Elizabeth Pfalzgraf, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2c39992-9945-490d-81a2-715c4b9a19c5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Pfalzgraf earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and both bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Kent State University. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, she has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health care and serves as an educator for undergraduate nursing. She sees ages 6 to 64 and specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and schizophrenia.
Elizabeth Pfalzgraf earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and both bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Kent State University. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, she has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health care and serves as an educator for undergraduate nursing. She sees ages 6 to 64 and specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and schizophrenia.
![Photo of Camille Combs, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/670e0273-f5ac-4c7b-8ffd-18968bd8f701/1/320x400.jpeg)
Camille Combs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Description “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore Hello, I am Camille and I want to say welcome! This is a huge accomplishment by taking the next step to a healthier you! It may feel scary just taking this step, however, the rewards of developing a healthier you are the most rewarding. And I am here to help in any way I can.
Description “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore Hello, I am Camille and I want to say welcome! This is a huge accomplishment by taking the next step to a healthier you! It may feel scary just taking this step, however, the rewards of developing a healthier you are the most rewarding. And I am here to help in any way I can.
![Photo of Jess Levy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61f90254-ea82-4c7c-98cf-19f8ed9cfcdb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Good psychiatric care happens during visits as well as between visits. And yet when it comes to psychiatry, 15-minute med checks once every few months is the norm. It's no wonder why so many patients are overwhelmed, frustrated, and skeptical about psychiatric care! (Don't even get me started If you have multiple conditions like ADHD and anxiety!) What if instead you worked with a psychiatrist who is open-minded, experienced, and will take the take the time to get to know you (or your child)?
Good psychiatric care happens during visits as well as between visits. And yet when it comes to psychiatry, 15-minute med checks once every few months is the norm. It's no wonder why so many patients are overwhelmed, frustrated, and skeptical about psychiatric care! (Don't even get me started If you have multiple conditions like ADHD and anxiety!) What if instead you worked with a psychiatrist who is open-minded, experienced, and will take the take the time to get to know you (or your child)?
![Photo of Christine Douglas, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccce7d14-44ed-451d-a421-2f2d92fe7dc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Douglas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brecksville, OH 44141
Christine is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who utilizes an empathetic approach in helping patients who are struggling with their mental health. Christine strives to develop individualized treatment plans, through evidence-based practice and medication management, designed to help patients reach their mental health goals. Christine has experience treating across the age span.
Christine is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who utilizes an empathetic approach in helping patients who are struggling with their mental health. Christine strives to develop individualized treatment plans, through evidence-based practice and medication management, designed to help patients reach their mental health goals. Christine has experience treating across the age span.
![Photo of Melissa Lopez-Larson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0513d7d-d81b-48c9-bded-0b156f11a638/1/320x400.jpeg)
Don't wait 2 weeks, now seeing patients in person at her new Independence, Ohio office. Telepsychiatry also available! Dr. Lopez-Larson is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and received her MD from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She performed her adult and child psychiatry training at Harvard Medical School training sites including Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, respectively. She has been practicing for over 15 years in a variety of settings including academic research, inpatient, residential and outpatient psychiatric services.
Don't wait 2 weeks, now seeing patients in person at her new Independence, Ohio office. Telepsychiatry also available! Dr. Lopez-Larson is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and received her MD from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She performed her adult and child psychiatry training at Harvard Medical School training sites including Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, respectively. She has been practicing for over 15 years in a variety of settings including academic research, inpatient, residential and outpatient psychiatric services.
![Photo of Jessie Maumburudze, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/796980a9-f618-4df5-b8c9-fc5107b2e890/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessie Maumburudze
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Hi! I am dual Board certified in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Master's in Nursing degree and post graduate degree at Ursuline College, Ohio.
Hi! I am dual Board certified in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Master's in Nursing degree and post graduate degree at Ursuline College, Ohio.
![Photo of Deanna Berry, PMHNP, BC, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce27cf49-aebe-4f6c-b4ac-76ec64b087b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deanna Berry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Beachwood, OH 44122
Deanna Berry is a nurse practitioner dually certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as adult-geriatric primary care. She has 20 years experience as nurse. She received her bachelor's degree, master's degree and post-master's certification in nursing from Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH and is certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Deanna Berry is a nurse practitioner dually certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as adult-geriatric primary care. She has 20 years experience as nurse. She received her bachelor's degree, master's degree and post-master's certification in nursing from Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH and is certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
![Photo of Nicholas Eilbeck, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c6e83f6-0f9e-4128-b5bb-801767e57904/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Eilbeck serves as Division Associate Medical Director for LifeStance Health. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he also was Chief Fellow. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Eilbeck served as Chief Resident during his adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
Dr. Eilbeck serves as Division Associate Medical Director for LifeStance Health. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he also was Chief Fellow. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Eilbeck served as Chief Resident during his adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
![Photo of Dawn Whitehair, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd40f0b1-a8f2-4415-833a-05744cd6d039/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dawn Whitehair
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Dawn is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in both adult and pediatric psychiatry. She has experience in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as having dedicated 10+ years to cancer research prior to her nursing career in several specialties. During her nursing career, she was a recipient of the DAISY award. Dawn brings empathy, compassion, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy for her to engage with her patients and their family members. She is licensed to prescribe medications all across the lifespan and has full prescriptive authority.
Dawn is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in both adult and pediatric psychiatry. She has experience in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as having dedicated 10+ years to cancer research prior to her nursing career in several specialties. During her nursing career, she was a recipient of the DAISY award. Dawn brings empathy, compassion, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy for her to engage with her patients and their family members. She is licensed to prescribe medications all across the lifespan and has full prescriptive authority.
See more therapy options for Maple Heights
Nearby Searches for Maple Heights
- Beachwood
- Bedford
- Brecksville
- Cleveland
- Cleveland Heights
- Independence
- Lyndhurst
- Macedonia
- Parma
- Shaker Heights
- Solon
- Twinsburg
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Maple Heights, OH
< 10
Psychiatrists in Maple Heights, OH who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Infertility |
100% | Grief |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Maple Heights, OH see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Maple Heights?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.